Aston Villa prepare to play their fourth consecutive home game as they face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. Despite hosting table-toppers Liverpool midweek and earning a hard-fought draw, Villa’s winless run in the league has now extended to five games. This recent dip in form has seen them slip in the race for Champions League qualification, but a victory over Chelsea at Villa Park could move them within one point of the Blues.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are also enduring a rough patch, particularly in away fixtures. Without a victory in six away games across all competitions, Enzo Maresca’s side is in need of a morale-boosting result as they head into the closing stages of the season. Securing three points at Villa could help alleviate some pressure on the team.
Aston Villa Team News
Villa will be without French centre-back Axel Disasi, who is ineligible to play against his parent club Chelsea. However, Ezri Konsa might return from injury at just the right time, as Pau Torres is also set to miss the match, leaving Villa thin at the back.
In midfield, Villa face additional problems with Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, and Ross Barkley all sidelined, forcing John McGinn and Youri Tielemans to partner in the center once again.
Villa’s attack might also see some changes. While Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio both started against Liverpool, Jacob Ramsey could return to the starting lineup, replacing Asensio, who had little impact midweek. Leon Bailey remains a fitness doubt but could come back into the side.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea’s injury crisis deepened this week, with manager Maresca confirming that none of the team’s current absentees will return in time for Saturday’s game. The latest addition to the treatment room is winger Noni Madueke, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury and will miss action until after the March international break.
The Blues are also without Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu up front, while Mykhailo Mudryk continues his suspension after failing a drugs test. Defensive concerns persist with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile out, and Romeo Lavia remains absent in midfield. Youngster Omari Kellyman, missing since August, is still unavailable.
Match facts
- This upcoming match will mark the 168th encounter between Chelsea and Aston Villa, with Chelsea holding the advantage with 70 wins compared to Villa’s 60.
- In their most recent meeting in December 2024, Chelsea secured a 3-0 victory at home. Notably, six of their last eight encounters have seen one side keep a clean sheet.
- Villa has been strong at home, losing just once in their last 22 Premier League games played on a Saturday, winning 16 of them. Meanwhile, Chelsea has struggled recently, winning only two of their last nine league matches.
- Chelsea has, however, had success at Villa Park, scoring at least two goals in seven of their last eight visits.
Predicted lineups
- Aston Villa: Martinez; Garcia, Bogarde, Mings, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers, Asensio, Rashford; Watkins
- Chelsea: Jorgensen; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku
Aston Villa vs Chelsea head-to-head record (last five games)
- Aston Villa: 1 win
- Chelsea: 2 wins
- Draws: 2
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Prediction
With back-to-back defeats to Brighton, Chelsea will be desperate for a positive result at Villa Park, but they face a Villa side that, despite their recent struggles, remain a formidable force at home. Chelsea’s lack of goals, exacerbated by injuries to key forwards like Jackson, has been a persistent issue, and they will face a Villa side eager to get back to winning ways.
Villa might be fatigued following their midweek clash against Liverpool, but Chelsea’s unconvincing form and injury woes present an opportunity for Unai Emery’s side to capitalize. With a strong attacking lineup, Villa could edge this contest.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
What time does Aston Villa vs Chelsea kick-off?
- Location: Birmingham, England
- Stadium: Villa Park
- Date: Saturday 22 February
- Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR: Paul Tierney
How to watch Aston Villa vs Chelsea on TV – UK & US
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra, NOW TV
- United States: fuboTV, UNIVERSO NOW, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, NBC, Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada